Interspinous implant

ABSTRACT

An interspinous implant. The interspinous implant includes a resilient S-shaped body having first and second saddle-shaped portions. First and second stirrup-shaped brackets extend in opposite directions from the first and second saddle-shaped portions for engaging first and second spinous processes.

INTRODUCTION

Various interspinous implants are known for correcting damaged intervertebral disks or other conditions that can subject the spinous processes of adjacent vertebrae to stresses, overextension, painful wear and tear, or general instability of the spinal column.

The present teachings provide an interspinous implant that can stabilize the spine and limit overextension of the spine and excessive spacing between the superior and inferior processes.

SUMMARY

The present teachings provide an interspinous implant that includes a substantially S-shaped body having a longitudinal anterior-posterior axis and first and second ends, a first U-shaped extension attached to the first end, and a second U-shaped extension attached to the second end. The first and second extensions can be oriented at an angle relative to the anterior-posterior axis and engageable to first and second spinous processes. The second extension can be offset relative to the first extension along the anterior-posterior axis. In one aspect, the S-shaped body can be resilient and can include a first portion having first and second ends and being substantially U-shaped, a second portion having first and second ends and being substantially U-shaped, and an intermediate portion connecting the second end of the first portion and the first end of the second portion.

The present teachings also provide an interspinous implant that includes a resilient S-shaped body including first and second saddle-shaped portions, and first and second stirrup-shaped brackets extending at an angle and in opposite directions from the first and second saddle-shaped portions. The first and second stirrup-shaped brackets can engage first and second spinous processes.

Further areas of applicability of the present teachings will become apparent from the description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the description and specific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the teachings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present teachings will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side view of an interspinous implant according to the present teachings, the interspinous implant shown implanted in a spine;

FIG. 2 is a rear view of the interspinous implant of FIG. 1, the interspinous implant shown implanted in a spine;

FIG. 3 is a side view of two interspinous implants according to the present teachings, the interspinous implants shown implanted in a spine;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an interspinous implant according to the present teachings;

FIG. 5 is a rear view of the interspinous implant of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a side view of the interspinous implant of FIG. 4, shown in a first configuration;

FIG. 6A illustrates side views of a series of representative interspinous implants according to the present teachings;

FIG. 7 is a side view of the interspinous implant of FIG. 4, shown in a second configuration;

FIG. 7B is a side view of the interspinous implant of FIG. 4, shown in a second configuration;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an interspinous implant according to the present teachings;

FIG. 9 is a side view of the interspinous implant of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a rear view of the interspinous implant of FIG. 8;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an interspinous implant according to the present teachings;

FIG. 12 is a side view of the interspinous implant of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an interspinous implant according to the present teachings;

FIG. 13A is a rear view of the interspinous implant of FIG. 13;

FIG. 13B is a side view of the interspinous implant of FIG. 13;

FIG. 14 is an environmental view of an interspinous implant according to the present teachings, the interspinous implant shown implanted in a spine;

FIG. 14A is a rear view of the interspinous implant of FIG. 14;

FIG. 14B is a side view of the interspinous implant of FIG. 14;

FIG. 14C is a front view of the interspinous implant of FIG. 14;

FIG. 15 is an environmental view of an interspinous implant according to the present teachings, the interspinous implant shown implanted in a spine;

FIG. 15A is a rear view of the interspinous implant of FIG. 15;

FIG. 15B is a side view of the interspinous implant of FIG. 15;

FIG. 16 is an environmental view of an interspinous implant according to the present teachings, the interspinous implant shown implanted in a spine;

FIG. 16A is a rear view of the interspinous implant of FIG. 16;

FIG. 16B is a side view of the interspinous implant of FIG. 16;

FIG. 16C is a front view of the interspinous implant of FIG. 16;

FIG. 17A is rear view of an interspinous implant according to the present teachings;

FIG. 17B is a side view of the interspinous implant of FIG. 17;

FIG. 17C is a front view of the interspinous implant of FIG. 17;

FIG. 18A is a perspective view of an inserter for an interspinous implant according to the present teachings, the inserter shown holding the interspinous implant;

FIG. 18B is an exploded view of the inserter of FIG. 18A;

FIG. 19A is a perspective view of an inserter for an interspinous implant according to the present teachings;

FIG. 19B is a perspective view of the inserter of FIG. 19A, the inserter shown holding the interspinous implant;

FIG. 20A is a perspective view of an inserter for an interspinous implant according to the present teachings;

FIG. 20B is an exploded view of the inserter of FIG. 20A;

FIG. 21A is a perspective view of a trial sizer for an interspinous implant according to the present teachings;

FIG. 21B is a side view of the trial sizer of FIG. 21A; and

FIG. 21C is a plan view of the trial sizer of FIG. 21A.

DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS ASPECTS

The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the present teachings, applications, or uses. The present teachings generally provide an interspinous implant that can be used to limit overextension of the spine and provide normal motion. Further, the interspinous implant can stabilize the posterior spinous processes and promote fusion of the vertebral bodies. The present teachings can be used to provide interspinous implants for procedures intended to alleviate conditions resulting from damaged intervertebral disks, spinal stenosis or other conditions that can subject the spinous processes of adjacent vertebrae to stresses, overextension, painful wear and tear, or general instability of the spinal column. According to the present teachings, the interspinous implant can be used at any level of the spine, including L5-S1 level.

Referring to FIG. 1 and 2, an exemplary interspinous implant 100 according to the present teachings is illustrated as implanted between two spinous processes 82 of adjacent or contiguous vertebrae 84 of a spine 80. It will be appreciated that one or more interspinous implants 100 can be used, as determined by the surgeon. Referring to FIG. 3, for example, two interspinous implants 100 are illustrated as implanted in a spine 80.

Referring to FIGS. 4-14C, and 16-17B, the interspinous implant 100 can include a body 102, and first and second extensions or brackets 112, 110. The body 102 can include first and second substantially U-shaped or saddle-shaped portions 104, 106 connected to one another by an intermediate portion 108. The first and second portions 104, 106 are oriented on opposite sides of the intermediate portion 108 along an axis A, in an opposing or antagonizing fashion, such that the body 102 can be substantially S-shaped. The body 102 can be made to be resilient such that the body 102 can operate as a tension spring or, as discussed below. Upon implantation, the axis A of the body 102 is oriented in the anterior-posterior direction, as shown in FIG. 1, such that spine loads can be distributed over both first and second U-shaped portions 104, 106, thereby reducing by about half the load carried by each portion 104, 106.

The first extension 112, or the second extensions 110, or both can be either fixedly or modularly connected to the body 102. The modular connection can be, for example, a taper connection, a dovetail connection, a snap fit connection, or other modular-type connection that allows easy removal of the corresponding first or second extension 112, 110 for minimally invasive insertion.

In another aspect, the first and second extensions 110, 112 can be movably connected to the body 102, such that the first and second extensions 110, 112 can be moved to a compact configuration for inserting the interspinous implant 100 into the spine. For example, the first and second extensions 110, 112 can be connected to the body 102 by pins received in corresponding elongated apertures or slots formed through the first and second extensions 112, 110. Translational movement of the first and second extensions 110, 112 relative to the body 102, with the pins sliding along the corresponding slots, can collapse the first and second extensions 110, 112 relative to the body 102 into a compact configuration. In another example, the first and second extensions 110, 112 can be rotatably coupled to the body 102, with hinges, for example. The first and second extensions 110, 112 can be rotated relative to the body 102 to a compact configuration for inserting the interspinous implant 100 into the spine.

In another aspect, one of the first or second extensions 112, 110 can be omitted. For example, the inferior extension 110 can be omitted and the body 102 can be formed as curved member that can act as an extension stop that does not limit flexion. Various fasteners, including screws, bolts, sutures or cables can pass through openings, such as holes or elongated slots or other apertures provided through the first and second extensions 122, 110 or the body 102, for securing the interspinous implant 100 to the spinous process 82.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 6A, exemplary sizes and shapes of the intervertebral implant 100 are illustrated. Referring to FIG. 6, for example, the first U-shaped portion 104 can include first and second ends 103, 105, and the second U-shaped portion 106 can include first and second ends 107, 109. The intermediate portion 108 can connect the second end 105 of the first portion 104 to the first end 107 of the second portion 106. The first and second extensions 112, 110 can extend substantially perpendicularly or at another angle relative to the axis A from the first and second ends 103, 109 of the first and second portions 104, 106 respectively.

The first and second extensions 112, 110 can be in the form of stirrup-shaped brackets for receiving corresponding adjacent spinous processes 82. The first extension 112 can include a pair of tabs or legs 116 defining an opening 126 for receiving a first spinous process 82. Each leg 116 can include anti-slip formations 122 for supporting, or engaging as needed, the spinous process 82. The anti-slip formations 122 can be in the form of series of sagittal teeth that may be interrupted by a coronal break 124 defining two columns 123, as illustrated in FIG. 4. Similarly, the second extension 110 can include a pair of tabs or legs 114 defining an opening 128 for receiving a second spinous process 82. Each leg 114 can include anti-slip formations 122 for supporting or engaging the spinous process 82. In one aspect, and in particular when the interspinous implant 100 is made of metal, such as titanium or other biocompatible metal, the first and second extensions 112, 110 can be crimped onto to the corresponding spinous processes 82 for engaging the spinous processes 82. The first and second extensions 112, 110 can also be fastened with screws or bolts or other fasteners on the spinous processes.

Referring to FIGS. 6, 7 and 7A, the geometry and construction of the body 102 can allow the body 102 to move between several configurations, including a first undeformed (or expanded) configuration, shown in FIG. 6, a second deformed and closed or collapsed configuration, shown in FIG. 7 and a third deformed and expanded configuration, shown in FIG. 7A. The first and second U-shaped portions 104, 106 can define corresponding first and second channels or gaps 142, 144 relative to the intermediate portion 108. In the undeformed configuration, the first and second channels 142, 144 can remain completely open with open end portions 150, as shown in FIG. 6, such that each channel 142, 144 forms an open loop. In the deformed and closed configuration, the end portions 150 of the first and second channels 142, 144 can close, as shown in FIG. 7, such that each channel 142, 144 forms a closed loop. In the deformed and open configuration the first and second channels 142, 144 can remain completely open and the end portions 150 can diverge further from the undeformed configuration, as shown in FIG. 7A. Accordingly, the end portions 150 can effectively define positive safety stops that prevent over-compression of the resilient body 102 and corresponding overextension of the spine 80 posteriorly, and also can limit fatigue loads and fatigue failure of the intervertebral implant 100.

The thickness or shape and size of the body 102 can be determined such that the body 102 only deforms elastically in a spring-like fashion and plastic deformation is avoided. For example, the intermediate portion 108 can have increased thickness relative to the first and second U-shaped portions 104, 106, and the body 102 can be shaped such that forces can be distributed through the thicker intermediate portion 108 or equally through the first and second portions 104, 106. Generally, the thickness and shape of the body 102 can vary, as shown in FIG. 6A, such that different motion characteristics can be provided. The force distributing and resiliency characteristics of the body 102 can allow use of biocompatible materials that have modulus more similar to bone than titanium and other metals, including, for example, PEEK, or other biocompatible polymeric materials in addition to metals.

An exemplary interspinous implant 100 constructed from PEEK is illustrated in FIGS. 13, 13A and 13B. Instead of discrete anti-slip formations, the profile of the legs 116, 114 of the first and second extensions 112, 110 of the interspinous implant of FIG. 13 can be modified such that each leg 116, 114 can have a curved inner surface 115, and the corresponding leg 116, 114 has a thickness that increases away from the body 102. Each inner surface 115 can curve distally toward the curving surface 115 of the opposing leg 116, 114 of its corresponding extension 112, 110. Accordingly, the corresponding openings 126, 128 between the pair of legs 116, 114 can decrease away from the body 102, as shown in FIG. 13. In this manner, the first and second extensions 112, 110 can form scallop-like clips that can clamp onto the spinous processes 82 without crimping. The curved surfaces 115 can optionally include a relieved portion 113 defining teeth 113 a for better fixation.

The body 102 can also include superior and inferior teeth or other superior and inferior engagement formations 148 for better fixation in the spine and resistance to expulsion, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 8, for example. In one aspect, the first U-shaped portion 104 of the body 102 can define an anterior surface 101 protruding into the vertebral foramen, such that the load on the disc space may be reduced, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4.

Referring to FIGS. 8-10, each leg 116, 114 of the first and second extensions 112, 110 can have a U-shaped opening or channel 154 defining a cantilevered or overhanging flange 152 that can operate as a resilient spring or clip for engaging the spinous processes 82 and allowing passage of a cable, ligament, graft or suture. In another aspect, referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, each leg 116, 114 of the first and second extensions 112, 110 can include a longitudinal through-groove 160 substantially perpendicular or at another angle relative to the axis A of the body 102. The longitudinal groove 160 can provide an access space for a cable, suture or other graft and can also reduce the thickness of each leg 116, 114 and increase the resilience of the first and second extensions 112, 110.

Referring to FIGS. 14-14C, 16-16C, and 17A-17C, the legs 114 of the second extensions 110 can include extended wide flanges 114 a that can engage the lamina of the corresponding vertebra 84. The flanges 114 a can include teeth, serrations or other anti-slip formations 122 a, as shown in FIGS. 14A, 16A and 17A, for example. In one aspect, the flanges 114 a can include holes for receiving screws or other bone fasteners (not shown). It will be appreciated that the interspinous implant 100 can be used at any level of the spine, including the L5-S1 level.

Referring to FIGS. 15, 15A, and 15B, the interspinous implant 100 can include a spinal connecting element portion 400. The connecting element portion 400 can extend at an angle outwardly from each of the legs 114 and can be secured to the spine 80 with pedicle screws 500. The connecting element portion 400 can be an integral or modular portion of the interspinous implant 100. The connecting element portion 400 can be curved to follow the anatomy of the spine 80.

Referring to FIGS. 4, 13B, 14B, 16B, 17B, the body 102 can also include pairs of superior and inferior recesses 130 for engagement with an insertion/extraction tool 200, referenced as inserter 200 for short. The inserter 200 can be of a scissor-like type, as shown in FIGS. 18A and 18B, or of a tweezer-like type, as shown in FIGS. 19A and 10B, or chop-stick like type, as shown in FIGS. 20A and 20B. The insert 200 can be made of plastic or metallic materials and can provide cushioning for holding the interspinous implant 100. The inserter 200 can be size specific or universal.

Referring to FIGS. 18A and 18B, the scissor-like inserter 200 can include first and second handles 202, 204 that can be pivotably coupled and include a tongue 210 and an elongated slot 212 that can be engaged to prevent opening. The first and second handles 202, 204 can terminate in crossing and spaced-apart arms 206, 208. Each arm 206, 208 can include a pair of inward-facing protrusions 220 mateable for engagement with the corresponding pairs of recesses 130 of the interspinous implant 100. The spaced-apart arms 206, 208 can define an opening 215 sized to accommodate the size of the interspinous implant 100, as shown in FIG. 18A. The arms 206, 208 can be coated with appropriate materials to provide a better grip, while protecting the interspinous implant 100 from damage. Such materials can include, for example, nylon or polymeric materials that have modulus that is less than the modulus of the interspinous implant 100. At least a portion of the handles 202, 204 can be color coded to visually indicate a particular size of an interspinous implants 100. The handles 202, 204 can include pins or other features 214 for keeping the handles 202, 204 coupled to one another in a closed configuration. The end portions of the handles 202, 204 can define an enlarged surface 207 for attaching a striker plate (not shown) for facilitating insertion of the interspinous implant 100.

Referring to FIGS. 20A and 20B, the chop-stick like inserter 200 is similar to the scissor like inserter 200 shown in FIGS. 18A and 18B, except that the first and second handles 202, 204 are nor pivotably coupled and the arms 206, 208 do not cross each other.

Referring to FIGS. 19A and 19B, the tweezer-like inserter 200 can include a handle 250 bifurcating into first and second portions 240, 242 that define an opening for receiving a knob 244 rotatable about a pivot pin 246. The first and second portions 240, 242 can terminate in first and second parallel and spaced apart arms or jaws 208, 206. The arms 206, 208 can define an opening 215 for receiving the interspinous implant 100 and can include inner protrusions 220 for engaging the recesses 130 of the interspinous implant 100. Rotating the knob 244 in opposite directions can urge the arms 208, 206 to move between a first configuration for holding the interspinous implant 100, and a second configuration for releasing the interspinous implant 100. The handle 250 can be sized to operate as a trial sizer by matching certain dimensions of the body 102, such as width and height of the body 102. Optionally, the inserter 200 or a portion thereof can be color-coded to indicate implant size or match similarly color-coded interspinous implants 100.

Referring to FIGS. 21A-C, a trial sizer 300 can be used in association with the interspinous implant 100. The trial sizer 300 can include a shaft 320 having first and second ends 322, 324. The first end can have a height that matches the height the body 102 of the interspinous implant 100, as discussed below. The second end 324 can have a profile 301 that matches the entire anterior profile of the interspinous implant 100. The profile 301 can include an anterior surface 302 corresponding to the anterior surface of the body 102, and superior and inferior brackets 312, 310 with corresponding pairs of legs 316, 314 that match the profile of the first and second extensions 112, 110 of the interspinous implant 100. Referring to FIGS. 5, 6 and 21A-C, for example, the shaft 320 and the interspinous implant 100 can have matching width “W”. Similarly, the heights “H” and “h” of the shaft 320 can match the total height “H” of the body 102 and the height “h” of the U-shaped (saddle) portions 104, 106 of the body.

The interspinous implant 100 can be inserted posteriorly through a minimal skin incision requiring little soft tissue dissection on either of the lateral sides of the spinous process 82 and lamina. The superspinous ligament may be preserved by clipping a small portion of the posterior process bone on the inferior surface of the superior process and the superior surface of the inferior process. A small portion of bone can remain attached to the ligament from both processes. Sufficient bone may be removed such that the ligament can be retracted slightly to one side allow the interspinous implant 100 to be inserted in a direct posterior fashion. After the interspinous implant 100 is inserted, the superspinous ligament can be replaced to fulfill its normal function. The clipped bone fragments (still attached to the ligament) can be reattached via a staple or suture. The bone can then be expected to fuse.

The interspinous implant 100 may also be inserted with complete bisection of the superspinous ligament at the affected level. After the interspinous implant 100 is inserted, the first and second extensions 112, 110 can be crimped down on the processes 82, fixing the interspinous implant 100 to the bone. Because the interspinous implant 100 can be rigidly attached to the superior and inferior spinous processes 82, the tension of the interspinous implant 100 can act as a mechanical replacement of the tension band supplied by the intact ligament. This function of the interspinous implant 100 can facilitate reducing loads in the disc space. The interspinous implant 100 can also be inserted laterally without modifying the spinous processes 82 or the superspinous ligament. The interspinous implant 100 can be inserted through the interspinous space, and then rotated within the sagittal plane into the appropriate position.

The foregoing discussion discloses and describes merely exemplary arrangements of the present teachings. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from such discussion, and from the accompanying drawings and claims, that various changes, modifications and variations can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the teachings as defined in the following claims. 

1. An interspinous implant comprising: a substantially S-shaped body having a longitudinal anterior-posterior axis and first and second ends; a first U-shaped extension attached to the first end, the first extension oriented at an angle relative to the anterior-posterior axis and engageable to a first spinous process; and a second U-shaped extension attached to the second end, the second extension oriented at an angle relative to the anterior-posterior axis and engageable to a second spinous process, the second extension offset relative to the first extension along the anterior-posterior axis.
 2. The implant of claim 1, wherein the S-shaped body includes first and second U-shaped portions separated by an intermediate portion.
 3. The implant of claim 1, wherein each of the first and second U-shaped extensions includes first and second legs, each leg having an interior surface with a plurality anti-slip formations oriented along the anterior-posterior axis.
 4. The implant of claim 3, wherein each leg includes a U-shaped opening defining a cantilevered flange perpendicular to the anterior posterior axis.
 5. The implant of claim 1, further comprising a pair of flanges extending from the second extension and engageable with a lamina.
 6. The implant of claim 1, wherein the S-shaped body includes a pair of tool-engaging recesses.
 7. The implant of claim 1, further comprising a spinal connecting element extending from the second extension.
 8. The implant of claim 1, wherein the S-shaped body is resilient and defines safety stops preventing overextension.
 9. The implant of claim 1, wherein the S-shaped body has an outer surface and includes anti-slip elements on inferior and superior portions of the outer surface on opposite sides of the anterior-posterior axis.
 10. The implant of claim 1, wherein the S-shaped body defines two channels along the anterior posterior axis, the S-shaped body movable between a first configuration in which each channel forms an open loop and a second configuration in which each channel forms a closed loop.
 11. The implant of claim 1, wherein each of the first and second U-shaped extensions includes first and second legs, each leg having an interior surface curving distally toward the curving surface of the opposing leg.
 12. An inserter for the interspinous implant of claim 6, the inserter comprising first and second pivotably coupled crossing members having first and second spaced apart portions, the first and second portions including inner protrusions engageable with the corresponding recesses of the interspinous implant.
 13. The inserter of claim 12 wherein the first and second portions include a gripping protective coating.
 14. An inserter for the interspinous implant of claim 6, the inserter comprising first and second parallel members, the first and second members including inner protrusions engageable with the corresponding recesses of the interspinous implant, and movable between a first configuration for holding the implant and a second configuration for releasing the implant.
 15. The inserter of claim 14, further comprising a rotatable knob moving the first and second members between the first and second configurations.
 16. A trial sizer for the interspinous implant of claim 1, the trial sizer comprising a shaft having a first end matching an anterior profile of the interspinous implant, the anterior profile including an anterior surface of the S-shaped body and corresponding anterior surfaces of the first and second extensions.
 17. The trial sizer of claim 16, wherein the shaft has width and height matching the width and height of the S-shaped body of the implant.
 18. An interspinous implant comprising: a resilient S-shaped body including first and second saddle-shaped portions; and first and second stirrup-shaped brackets extending at an angle and in opposite directions from the first and second saddle-shaped portions, the first and second stirrup-shaped brackets engageable to first and second spinous processes.
 19. The interspinous implant of claim 18, wherein one of the first and second brackets includes an integrally formed curved spinal connecting element.
 20. The interspinous implant of claim 18, wherein one of the first and second brackets includes at least one flange engageable with a lamina.
 21. The interspinous implant of claim 20, wherein the flange includes an aperture for fastener fixation.
 22. An interspinous implant comprising: a resilient body having a longitudinal anterior-posterior axis and a substantially S-shape, the resilient body comprising: a first portion having first and second ends, the first portion being substantially U-shaped; a second portion having first and second ends, the first portion being substantially U-shaped; and an intermediate portion connecting the second end of the first portion and the first end of the second portion; a first extension attached to the first end of the first portion, the first extension being substantially U-shaped and perpendicular to the anterior-posterior axis and engageable to a first spinous process; and a second extension attached to the second end of the first portion, the second extension being substantially U-shaped and perpendicular to the anterior-posterior axis and engageable to a second spinous process, the second extension offset relative to the first extension along the anterior-posterior axis. 